This new guitar is special because it features Jean Larrivée's first new bracing pattern in over 46 years, a result of years of testing and research.

This new bracing system is a cross between Larrivée's original bracing and the bracing of a vintage dreadnaught. It is described as providing the strength, tonal, balance and clarity as the original, while adding the bass response, depth and volume found on more traditional guitars.

At the core of this new bracing design is the tried and tested X shaped brace. Like the original, each X shaped brace is modified to match the shape and voice of individual guitars, while ensuring stability and strength between the sound hole and the bridge.

Going beyond the original design, Larrivée now utilizes a new Non-Symmetrical Scalloped Lateral Cross Bracing system, which instead of having traditional block shaped braces, it uses tapered and scalloped ones that appear much like a suspension bridge. These braces provide maximum strength while using the least possible material and having the smallest possible size, which results in more soundboard vibrations.

The Scalloped Parabolic Hybrid system is not spread out symmetrically across the X brass, rather it connects only on the treble side and moves away at a carefully calculated angle. This design lets Larrivée control the bass response of the instrument better.

This new bracing system supports the D-40's solid Sitka spruce top, which is matched by the guitar's mahogany back and sides. The guitar also comes with a solid African Ebony fretboard that sits on top of a one-piece mahogany neck. The guitar has a 25.5" scale length and a nut width of 1 11/16". Other features include Bone saddle, nut and bridge pins, Grover 18:1 tuners, and Canadian maple binding.

The default configuration Larrivée D-40 Legacy Series is expected to retail for £1,249. You can opt for a more expensive version that uses solid Rosewood for the back and sides, as well as have it ship with a Shadow Nanoflex pickup. For more information, you can visit Larrivée.